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Ultimate Bluetooth Version Finder: Tools & Steps to Detect Your Device’s Bluetooth

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Bluetooth Version Finder: How to Identify the Bluetooth Version on Any DeviceBluetooth is a ubiquitous wireless technology used for short-range data exchange between devices such as smartphones, laptops, headphones, speakers, wearables, and more. Knowing your device’s Bluetooth version matters because it determines supported features (e.g., BLE, improved audio codecs, longer range, faster throughput, multi-device connections) and compatibility with accessories. This guide explains how to find the Bluetooth version on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and common peripherals, plus tips for interpreting version numbers and troubleshooting.

Why Bluetooth Version Matters (Brief)

  • Compatibility: Newer Bluetooth versions add features (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0+, Bluetooth 5.x features like greater range and advertising extensions).
  • Battery & Performance: BLE saves power for wearables and IoT devices.
  • Audio & Latency: Later standards and related codecs (aptX, AAC, LC3) affect sound quality and latency.
  • Range & Throughput: Bluetooth 5.x increased range and maximum data rate options in some modes.

How Bluetooth Versions Are Reported and What They Mean

Bluetooth versions are not always directly labeled on a device. There are two ways to interpret the Bluetooth capability:

  1. Chipset/Controller specification: The manufacturer of the Bluetooth chip (e.g., Qualcomm, Broadcom, Texas Instruments) publishes supported Bluetooth specification versions and features.
  2. Operating system / driver information: The OS may report the controller’s version or link-layer capabilities via device manager or system reports.

Common Bluetooth version milestones:

  • Bluetooth 2.0/2.1: Basic support for audio and data, limited power efficiency.
  • Bluetooth 3.0 + HS: Introduced high-speed option using Wi‑Fi for bulk transfers (rare in practice).
  • Bluetooth 4.0: Introduced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
  • Bluetooth 4.1–4.2: Incremental improvements (connectivity, privacy, throughput).
  • Bluetooth 5.0: Major improvements in range, speed modes, advertising, and support for larger payloads.
  • Bluetooth 5.1–5.3: Direction finding (AoA/AoD), improved connection performance, power improvements, and other refinements.
  • Bluetooth 5.4+: Further updates (advertising, energy improvements) — check chipset docs for exact feature support.

How to Identify Bluetooth Version on Different Platforms

Windows (10 / 11)

  1. Open Device Manager: press Windows key + X → Device Manager.
  2. Expand “Bluetooth” and find your Bluetooth adapter (example: “Intel Wireless Bluetooth” or “Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth”).
  3. Right-click the adapter → Properties → Advanced tab (if present). Look for a “Firmware” or “LMP (Link Manager Protocol) Version” entry.
    • If you see an LMP version number, map it to a Bluetooth version using this quick lookup:
      • LMP 3 → Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
      • LMP 4 → Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
      • LMP 5 → Bluetooth 3.0 + HS
      • LMP 6 → Bluetooth 4.0
      • LMP 7 → Bluetooth 4.1
      • LMP 8 → Bluetooth 4.2
      • LMP 9 → Bluetooth 5.0
      • LMP 10 → Bluetooth 5.1
      • LMP 11 → Bluetooth 5.2
      • LMP 12 → Bluetooth 5.3
    • If the Properties window shows a driver/clause version instead, note the adapter model and check the manufacturer’s specs.

Alternative: Open Command Prompt (admin) and run:

wmic path Win32_PnPSignedDriver where "DeviceName like '%Bluetooth%'" get DeviceName, DriverVersion, Manufacturer

Then look up the adapter model online.

macOS

  1. Click the Apple menu → About This Mac → System Report → Bluetooth.
  2. In the Bluetooth system report, check “LMP Version” and “Bluetooth Core Spec.” Map LMP to Bluetooth versions (same mapping as Windows). macOS will often show an explicit “Bluetooth Core Spec” version like 5.0 or 5.3.
  3. You can also identify the controller model (e.g., Broadcom, Apple custom) and consult the vendor specifications.

Android

Android devices usually don’t show the Bluetooth version in settings. Use one of these methods:

  • Settings → About phone → Hardware information (some OEMs list Bluetooth version here).
  • Install a hardware info app (e.g., “AIDA64”, “CPU-Z”, “Device Info HW”) — check the Bluetooth section for controller information or Bluetooth specification version.
  • Check the device’s official specifications page or the chipset spec (e.g., Snapdragon, MediaTek) — the SoC often advertises supported Bluetooth version (e.g., Snapdragon 855: Bluetooth 5.0).

iOS / iPadOS

Apple does not expose Bluetooth version in UI. To find it:

  • Check the device technical specifications page on Apple’s website — Apple lists Bluetooth version for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch models (e.g., iPhone 12: Bluetooth 5.0, iPhone 14: Bluetooth 5.3).
  • Search for the device model online or check teardown/hardware spec sites.

Linux

  1. Open a terminal and run: 
    
hciconfig -a

    or 

    
bluetoothctl show
  2. The output may include the “LMP Version” or “Manufacturer” and controller name. Map LMP to Bluetooth version as shown earlier.
  3. If the above doesn’t show the version, identify the controller module (lsusb or lspci), then check the chipset specs online.

How to Identify Bluetooth Version on Peripherals (Headphones, Speakers, Wearables)

  • Check the product box, manual, or official product page — manufacturers typically list Bluetooth version (e.g., Bluetooth 5.2).
  • If unavailable, search the product model + “Bluetooth version” or look up the chipset model in teardowns or FCC filings.
  • For earbuds/headphones, you can sometimes infer support by features: LE Audio and LC3 codec support typically implies Bluetooth 5.2+.

Quick Reference: LMP Version Mapping

Use this mapping when you find an LMP number in system reports:

  • LMP 3 → Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
  • LMP 4 → Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • LMP 5 → Bluetooth 3.0 + HS
  • LMP 6 → Bluetooth 4.0
  • LMP 7 → Bluetooth 4.1
  • LMP 8 → Bluetooth 4.2
  • LMP 9 → Bluetooth 5.0
  • LMP 10 → Bluetooth 5.1
  • LMP 11 → Bluetooth 5.2
  • LMP 12 → Bluetooth 5.3

Troubleshooting & Notes

  • The OS-reported Bluetooth version reflects the controller hardware, not necessarily full feature support — some features require chipset + driver + OS support.
  • A device may support BLE even if marketed simply as “Bluetooth.” When in doubt, check for explicit “Bluetooth Low Energy” or BLE in specs.
  • Firmware/driver updates can enable additional features but usually cannot upgrade the hardware’s core Bluetooth version.
  • For pairing problems, ensure both devices’ Bluetooth profiles (A2DP, HFP, LE Audio, etc.) overlap. Version differences don’t always block pairing but can limit supported features.

Example Walkthroughs

Windows (example)

  1. Device Manager → Bluetooth → Intel Wireless Bluetooth.
  2. Properties → Advanced → LMP Version = 9 → Bluetooth 5.0.

macOS (example)

  1. Apple menu → About This Mac → System Report → Bluetooth → “Bluetooth Core Spec” = 5.3 → Bluetooth 5.3.

Android (example)

  1. Install AIDA64 → Open System or Bluetooth section → shows controller or “Bluetooth 5.0” → Bluetooth 5.0.

When You Still Can’t Find the Version

  • Lookup the device model on the manufacturer’s website or the device’s spec sheet.
  • Search FCC filings (often include internal photos and chipset IDs).
  • Contact manufacturer support with the model/serial number.

Summary Checklist (Quick)

  • Check OS system report (Device Manager, System Report, About phone).
  • Look for LMP version and map it to Bluetooth version.
  • If OS doesn’t show it, note chipset or adapter model and check manufacturer specs.
  • For peripherals, check product page/manual or chipset information.

If you want, tell me your device model and OS and I’ll find the Bluetooth version for you.

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